Necessity and impacts of water supply scheme

Necessity of a water supply scheme

Water is needed for life, but natural sources are often far, polluted or seasonal. An organised scheme is necessary because:

• It provides safe water, and so prevents diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and hepatitis.
• Quantity is assured for drinking, cooking, hygiene and sanitation, which are needed for good health.
• It saves time and labour of fetching water, mainly for women and children.
• It supports schools, hospitals, industries, agriculture, livestock and fire fighting.
• It raises living standards and supports economic growth and planned settlement.

Impacts of water supply schemes

Positive impacts

• Reduced incidence of water-related diseases and lower child mortality.
• Time saved for education, income and rest; better women's participation.
• Improved sanitation and hygiene; growth of toilets, kitchen gardens and small industries.
• Higher land value and better quality of life; employment during construction and operation.

Negative impacts

• Reduced downstream flow, and conflict over water rights when the source is shared.
• Waste water and sludge, causing pollution and mosquito breeding if not drained properly.
• Lowering of ground water table due to over-extraction.
• Land acquisition, loss of forest or farmland during construction, and soil erosion on pipeline routes.
• High capital and maintenance cost, and tariff burden on poor households.
• Over-use and wastage when water is easily available.

Proper planning, environmental assessment and user participation keep the negative effects small.